Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 1105--Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Labor, Health and Human Services bill, FIPSE account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to develop and implement curriculum and research for graduate level alternative energy research in the areas of solar, biofuels, fuels, and batteries energy. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Labor, Health and Human Services bill, FIPSE account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Address of Requesting Entity: 205 East South Street Talladega, Alabama 35160 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to develop and implement a collaborative employer training and job development program on behalf of the most significantly disabled citizens of Alabama. The Employer Education and Employment Development Program will target individuals who are deaf, blind and deaf-blind, as well as individuals who have developmental disabilities in conjunction with sensory impairment. Likewise, the Program will educate employers, statewide, on the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities. Assistive technology will also be a key dimension of the program for both the employer and employees--used to level the professional and educational playing field for persons with disabilities and enhance long term job performance and stability. This program will be part of a comprehensive worker credentialing program that will incorporate WorkKeys assessments and a standardized curriculum for basic workplace skills. WorkKeys, developed by ACT, is a national system for documenting and improving workplace skills. The program consists of three primary components: Job Profiling, Assessments and instructional support. Currently AIDB is the only known entity in Alabama providing this nationally recognized program to individuals with disabilities. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Labor, Health and Human Services bill, ACF account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cherokee County Commission, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Main Street Room 100 Centre, AL 35960 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to provide a central location where citizens can access information and community services that will empower, strengthen, improve the quality of life, and promote self-sufficiency by striving to meet the physical, emotional, developmental, and personal needs of all family members. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, International Trade Administration account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for polymer characterization and processing. Faculty will conduct research on the use of novel polymeric materials in transportation, structure, construction, and other applications, including nanotechnology. Focus will be on development of antimicrobial fibers and films for use in the medical industry and personal protective clothing. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, COPS Tech account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Auburn, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: 144 Tichenor Avenue, Suite 1 Auburn, AL 36830 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for a mobile data system for Auburn's Police Division. This consists of in-car computers and associated equipment (routers, wireless networking, e.g.) to equip all of our police vehicles. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, COPS Tech account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City and County of Montgomery, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: P. O. Box 1111, Montgomery, AL 36101 and P. O. Box 1667, Montgomery, AL 36102 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to implement an in-car digital video and server solution for City of Montgomery police vehicles and Montgomery County sheriff vehicles. This system will replace outdated VHS systems that are currently in police and sheriff vehicles and provide new installations in vehicles that are currently without a system. The ultimate goal is to have one upgradeable digital in-car system for the entire fleet and a central depository that will provide video evidence for courtroom presentation. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, Byrne account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used in support of a program to provide local Law Enforcement Organizations with state-of-the-art detector-dog team training for enhancing public safety. The detector-dog and handler team remain the most capable tool for the interdiction of explosive materials and illicit drugs. The capability of such teams is entirely dependent upon the quality of the dog, the dog's training, and instruction of its handler. Auburn University will develop protocols for proper training and conditioning of dog-handler teams, evaluate capabilities of canines and teams, and additionally provide trained teams for local law enforcement in Alabama as a model for national training standards. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, COPS Tech account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alabama Department of Corrections, Montgomery, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for 3D virtual training for officers in high-risk maximum security facilities. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, Byrne account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alexander City, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 552, Alexander City, Al. 35011-0552 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for security upgrades for the old Courthouse building to become a functional Police/Judicial Courtroom/Jail facility while still maintaining the facility's historic integrity. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, Byrne account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Montgomery County Commission, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: 100 South Lawrence St., Montgomery, AL 36104 P.O. Box 1667, Montgomery, AL 36102-1667 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for the installation of security cameras and security card readers at Courthouse and Annexes, and connection of Annex facilities to central monitoring. Sheriff's Office vehicles will be outfitted with upgradeable digital in-car video system to provide video evidence for courtroom presentation. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Financial Service, SBA account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: Bibb Graves Hall 700 Pelham Road, North Jacksonville, AL 36256 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to significantly improve the technology infrastructure that is used for teaching and research on the Jacksonville State University (JSU) main campus and remote campus locations, and for delivery of courses to distance education students that otherwise would not have access to university courses. The project will include initiatives to: implement improvements to the campus network infrastructure (switches, cabling, network appliances, fiber backbone); enhance internet connectivity--increase bandwidth available to students, faculty and staff for internet access; evaluate capabilities of the 2.5 gigahertz frequency channels licensed to JSU by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); acquire hardware and software to develop applications that utilize the city-wide fiber network to implement collaborative initiatives with local K-12 school systems; and acquire and install components to expand the wireless network and internet connectivity throughout the campus, to remote campus locations and area schools. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Agriculture Appropriations bill, Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for ongoing cooperative research between USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University will develop genomic information. The virulence factors and genomic dissection of resistance genes for various diseases are very important for the resolution of disease problems. The development of a genomic map will provide researchers with a road map to development of more disease resistant catfish and vaccines that are more effective. The role of Auburn University will be to provide assistance, conduct laboratory and field tests at its catfish ponds and farms in Alabama. Auburn University has extensive catfish ponds and expertise in working with Alabama catfish producers on fish health problems. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Agriculture Appropriations bill, Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for an ongoing statewide initiative that is coordinated by USDA-ARS and the funds are shared with ARS, Auburn University (Agronomy and Soils Department & Plant Pathology), Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M. The funds to AU, Tuskegee, and A&M support cooperative projects working on integration of conservation tillage, precision agriculture and management of poultry litter. The AU funding is also used to maintain a state of the art soil testing lab and web based access information system for producers and homeowners throughout Alabama. Increased request for this year is to expand reniform nematode research throughout the state, develop more intense mature management research and expand research on the development of alternative substrates for nursery crop production and biofuel production. Results and future plans are made available to commodity groups and discussed at formal commodity meetings each fall. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Agriculture Appropriations bill, Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for ongoing cooperative research between USDA, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University will develop multivalent vaccines against three major concurrent diseases of catfish. Vaccine formulations will be developed and laboratory and field tested for the absence of inference between the different vaccine components, and to be safe and effective against all three diseases. The role of Auburn University will be to provide assistance in vaccine formulation, conduct laboratory and field tests at its catfish ponds and farms in Alabama. Auburn University has extensive catfish ponds and expertise in working with Alabama catfish producers on fish health problems and vaccination. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Agriculture Appropriations bill, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Research and education account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for the Auburn University Research Center on Detection and Food Safety. The ARC vision is to improve the safety of the U.S. food system by developing the science and engineering required to rapidly identify, pinpoint and characterize, through an integration of sensor and information technology, problems that arise in the food supply chain. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Agriculture Appropriations bill, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Research and education account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used in developing geospatial tools to allow more site specific management of forests, agriculture, and natural resources. This project utilizes geospatial technologies (GPS and GIS) developed by the military and aerospace industries to improve the profitability and efficiency of the forest products industry, agriculture, and other natural resource based enterprises. The project will build on ongoing work in Precision Agriculture. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Agriculture Appropriations bill, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, Research and education account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for the Tri-State Peanut Research to develop data needed to accomplish the desired impacts, field trials were established in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Each location conducts similar trials, but decisions concerning best management practices vary with soil types and required baseline data is collected from each location. Six major research sites have been established, two at Auburn's Wiregrass Research Center in Headland, Alabama. One is a farm scale 52 acre irrigated field and the other is a small replicated experimental site. At the University of Georgia's Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, a 12 acre irrigated experimental plot and a 5 acre experimental site were established. Three sites were established in Florida, two at the North Florida Research and Education Center--a 12 acre site in Quincy and a 150 acre site in Marianna. Another 120 acre site was established on a grower's field. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Energy and Water Appropriations bill, Corps of Engineers, section 206 account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Phenix City, AL Address of Requesting Entity: 601 12th Street Phenix City, AL 36867 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to fund the Fall Line Ecosystem Restoration Project to remove two small and underutilized dams to restore fish habitat. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Energy and Water Appropriations bill, Department of Energy, EERE biomass and biorefinery systems R&D account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used by Auburn scientists and engineers to perform integrated investigations of the entire biomass to an energy processing system using thermochemical approaches. Agricultural and forest researchers will optimize the biomass supply chain by testing new methods for harvesting, transporting, and processing forest and agricultural biomass in preparation for gasification. Scientists and engineers will also investigate gasification processes to determine optimal gasification configurations and the corresponding operating parameters. Another component of this research program will focus on the development of cost effective hot gas cleanup technologies necessary for production of high quality synthesis gases suitable for power generation and liquid fuel production. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, National Park Service, Save America's Treasures account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Jackson-Community house Historic Foundation Address of Requesting Entity: 409 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to complete the third phase of the restoration project of the 155 year old Jackson-Community house including landscaping, lighting, driveways, plants, and window treatments. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, Environmental Protection Agency, STAG water and wastewater infrastructure project account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Alexander City, AL Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 552, Alexander City, AL 35011 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to provide connector transmission water mains to provide potable water to rapidly developing lakefront areas in south Tallapoosa and north Elmore counties that are currently unserved or underserved. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, Environmental Protection Agency, STAG water and wastewater infrastructure project account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Opelika, AL Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for construction of a package treatment plant to serve existing and future industrial development. This facility will provide the needed sewer capabilities at the Industrial Park and other areas around 1-85. This will increase overall capacity in the City and ensure that new industry has the infrastructure it needs immediately upon choosing the Opelika Park. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill, Federal Highway Administration, Transportation & Community & System Preservation account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Jacksonville State University Address of Requesting Entity: Bibb Graves Hall 700 Pelham Rd, North, Jacksonville, AL 36256 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding will be used for design and construction of a pedestrian bridge on HWY 21. Highway 21 is a major north/south corridor with excessive vehicle and truck traffic coupled with student, faculty and other local traffic. Pedestrian safety is paramount on a University campus. The design and construction of a pedestrian overpass system across State Highway 21 to improve and ensure student safety is an integral part of Jacksonville State University's Master Campus Plan that includes a safe pedestrian student pathway artery linking major campus destinations. The design and construction of a pedestrian overpass system will greatly protect the students of Jacksonville State University and improve traffic flow through the city of Jacksonville. Funding would be spent in two phases: 1) on design and 2) actual construction of the overpass system. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill, Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Initiatives account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Pike Road, AL Address of Requesting Entity: 4902 Old Pike Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding will be used for the Town of Pike Road to conduct economic, community, transportation, and infrastructure planning, including a study on light rail using existing rail lines between Pike Road and Gunter and Maxwell Air Force bases. The Town of Pike Road has developed a four-part strategic outline that its citizens endorsed at a town hall meeting. The plan calls for: (a) visionary community and economic planning; (b) excellence in public education; (c) recreation that fits the natural resources of the area; and (d) public safety and services that maintain a high quality of life. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill, Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Initiatives accounts Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Valley, Alabama Address of Requesting Entity: P.0. 186 Valley, Alabama 36854 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for instillation of elevator to increase access of the Sportsplex to the elderly and disabled population. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill, Federal Highway Administration, Interstate Maintenance Discretionary account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Auburn, AL Address of Requesting Entity: 144 Tichenor Avenue, Suite 1, Auburn AL 36803 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for the development of a 430-acre Auburn Technology Park West, including land acquisition and infrastructure construction, both on- site and off-site. Specifically, federal funding is requested for the construction of an extension of West Veterans Boulevard and part of the Outer Loop road to connect with the Technology Park. This road connection would provide a western connection between the City, the Technology Park and a new 1-85 interchange currently being designed. To this end, the City has provided $11,300,000 to fund the development of the West Technology Park, but we still need additional resources to provide the road connectivity needed for access between the Technology Park, the City, and the interstate. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill, Federal Highway Administration, Transportation & Community & System Preservation account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Opelika, AL Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to plan and design a perimeter or northern transportation corridor in Opelika. A northern perimeter is needed due to tremendous population growth primarily in the northern sector of Opelika resulting from strong economic growth in every sector-residential, commercial, and industrial. The corridor would ultimately connect US Highway 280 in northeast Opelika with Interstate 85 in northwest Opelika improving highway safety, reducing congestion on inner city streets, and connect new population centers with the growth of employment opportunities in the Northeast Industrial Park. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill, Federal Aviation Administration, Facilities and Equipment account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Montgomery Airport Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 4445 Selma Highway, Montgomery, AL 36108 Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to preserve valuable airport infrastructure. It consists of rehabilitation of the pavement structure of the airport's primary runway, Runway 10/28, whose condition is beginning to deteriorate. This runway is showing signs of advanced deterioration at this time and will not last beyond another year or two without major rehabilitation. Since airport runways do not receive the level of activity that keeps roadways fresh by constantly flexing the asphalt, they tend to oxidize and crack over a period of 10-12 years. This runway has not been rehabilitated since 1996.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Consumer Auto Relief Act, or CAR Act, a bill that I plan to introduce later today. This bill will provide a variety of incentives to the purchasers of new cars, and will incentivize lenders to loan the money to finance these new automobile purchases. This legislation is about giving American consumers much needed tax relief. It's about stimulating consumer credit markets. It's about restoring consumer confidence. It's about jump-starting our stalled economy, and it should be a part of the new economic stimulus package. I ask the House to support this bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the devastating situation in Gaza. Each of us in this Chamber knows what it's like to deal with a terrorist attack on our soil and against our people. Over the last several years, the Israeli people have been constantly bombarded by terrorist attacks on their soil and against their people. Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in late 2005, more than 6,000 rocket and mortar attacks from Hamas and other terrorist groups were fired into their territory. The Government of Israel has a right and a responsibility to defend and protect its people. To stand idly by while hundreds of bombs explode on Israeli territory would have indeed been an irresponsible position for Israel's government to take, and continuing to do nothing could cause long-term detrimental implications to Israel's security in the region. So Madam Speaker, critics who have said that Israel responded to Hamas in a disproportionate or indiscriminate way are wrong. Madam Speaker, I ask, what amount of force would have been necessary to stop the brutal attacks, to put an end to the terrorists' rocket launching pad in Gaza? Hamas has repeatedly targeted school yards and hospitals filled with children and civilians in Israel. And the militants have been deliberate in operating from places where Gazan civilians have sought shelter, jeopardizing innocent lives in Gaza. Only Hamas is responsible for the massacre of the people in Gaza. Hamas is responsible for this conflict. Today marks the 12th day of this conflict, and I think we all hope for a cease-fire to take place soon. However, even if the parties can reach an agreement to a cease-fire, it remains to be seen whether it will be durable. Therefore, I strongly urge support for Israel's right to self-defense and its efforts to protect itself militarily. I also urge the United Nations and our European allies to do the same.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to a special day in the life of the congregation of the Peoples Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. On November 24th, Peoples Baptist Church will celebrate its 110th anniversary. The church was first organized in 1898 under Rev. Pradd who served as the pastor until 1925. The church moved to several locations over the years including the campus of Alabama State University. In September of 2008, the church moved to its new location on Dorchester Drive in Montgomery. The new building was built under the leadership of the church's fifth pastor, Paul L. Boswell, who served the church for 32 years. The congregation works to carry the ``torch of building up God's kingdom one brick at a time.'' Today the church celebrates their 110th Anniversary and is blessed to now be under the leadership of their new and sixth pastor, Victor Lewis, Sr. I would like to congratulate Peoples Baptist Church on reaching this important milestone.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to a special day in the life of a constituent of mine, Mr. Woodfin K. Grove. On October 23rd, Mr. Grove will celebrate his 90th birthday. To help commemorate this special occasion, his friends and church family are surprising him with a dinner at The Bridge at First United Methodist Church in Anniston, Alabama, on October 22nd. Woodfin K. Grove was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and was an only child. He graduated from Ensley High School and Birmingham Southern, both located in Birmingham. He received his degree in Theology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Grove married Dorothy Rowland with whom he had one daughter, Ann, and one grandson, John. Today Mr. Grove is loved by everyone. He is known for his good advice to those around him and serves as a wise leader in his church. He and his wife, Dot, both are young at heart and have been known to ride around Anniston on his motorcycle or in his sports car. They attend First United Methodist Church in Anniston where he became Pastor Emeritus in 2001. I would like to congratulate Mr. Grove on reaching this important milestone in his life. I wish him a happy birthday and the best in the future.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to a special day in the life of a constituent of mine, Mr. Woodfin K. Grove. On October 23rd, Mr. Grove will celebrate his 90th birthday. To help commemorate this special occasion, his friends and church family are surprising him with a dinner at The Bridge at First United Methodist Church in Anniston, Alabama on October 22nd. Woodfin K. Grove was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and was an only child. He graduated from Ensley High School and Birmingham Southern, both located in Birmingham. He received his degree in Theology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Grove married Dorothy Rowland with whom he had one daughter, Ann, and one grandson, John. Today Mr. Grove is loved by everyone. He is known for his good advice to those around him and serves as a wise leader in his church. He and his wife, Dot, both are young at heart and have been known to ride around Anniston on his motorcycle or in his sports car. They attend First United Methodist Church in Anniston where he became Pastor Emeritus in 2001. I would like to congratulate Mr. Grove on reaching this important milestone in his life. I wish him a happy birthday and the best in the future.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request to include the accompanying article in the Congressional Record to supplement my remarks which were entered during the Special Order in honor of two Members of the Alabama delegation who are retiring. [From the Dothan Magazine, March/April 2008] Man of the House--Congressman Terry Everett, Dothan's voice in the US. House of Representatives, Earned Respect from all Sides as an Honorable Legislator During his Sixteen years in Washington, DC. Now He's Coming Home (By Ann Varnum) Congressman Terry Everett recently shared a laugh with the audience at a luncheon for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. Back in 1992 when he started his campaign for Congress, the polls indicated that he only had four-percent name recognition throughout Southeast Alabama. That fact was made no less comforting by his lovely wife, Barbara, who was quick to point out that the poll had a plus or minus accuracy rating of four percent, so Terry's true name recognition actually fell within the margin of error. Of course, that was sixteen years ago, and all of that has radically changed. Terry Everett has become one of the most respected congressmen on Capitol Hill. One of the reasons for this is his innate ability to reach across the aisle and make friends even though the opposite side most certainly had completely different viewpoints from his own. He has earned the greatest respect from Republicans and Democrats alike. During his almost sixteen years in Congress to date, Representative Everett has been known as an honest legislator and true gentleman. Reading through transcripts of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces hearing from May of 2007, it is quite evident how much Congressman Everett is respected by his colleagues. California Democrat Representative Ellen Tauscher, the chairwoman of the subcommittee, opened the legislative hearing by referring to Everett's prior service: ``I'd like to begin by saying it has been an absolute pleasure crafting this mark with my friend, Mr. Everett . . . He has been both cooperative and straightforward. Thank you very sincerely, Mr. Everett.'' In 2001, when Representative Joseph Moakley, a Democrat from Massachusetts, died, a special memorial was held in the House Chambers. Democrat Representative Richard Neal, also from Massachusetts, remarked that Moakley was ``. . . an old school Democrat. But do you know who he liked to have dinner with? This is going to kill them in Alabama when they find this out, the voters down there--Sonny Callahan, Terry Everett--that was the group he assembled with after hours. He enjoyed their company socially and loved their stories about Alabama and how they had come to Washington.'' There is no doubt that Everett had a gift of making friends out of even total political opponents. He never wavered from his ideals and conservative viewpoint, but it never interfered with making friends. Perhaps his outstanding record in Congress had been forged earlier by the many roles Everett played in other areas of achievement before launching his political career. Terry Everett was born February 15, 1937, in Dothan but grew up in Midland City. After high school, Terry served in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence analyst in Europe in 1955. After serving his country in the military, Everett returned to Dothan in 1959 to embark on the career that would dominate more than half of his life--journalism. He began as a farm and police beat reporter and sports writer for The Dothan Eagle. He would later achieve success as editor, publisher and finally owner of a chain of hometown newspapers, which he sold in the late 1980's. Terry Everett's first elected position was not in public office, but rather as President and Chairman of the Board of the Alabama Press Association. While a local newspaper publisher, the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) at Fort Rucker twice nominated him for ``Army Civilian of the Year.'' Yet many would say the greatest milestone was not related to journalism or politics. On December 16, 1965, Terry Everett's life was about to take on a brand new dimension. A mutual friend, Jeanette Comstock, introduced Terry to a bright, energetic young woman named Barbara. After the couple started dating, Barbara and her parents were surprised to learn that Terry had decided to leave his job at The Dothan Eagle and start his own newspaper business. Convinced he was making a huge mistake, Barbara admits that she was a little upset about his plans. ``At that time,'' she says, ``I didn't know Terry well enough to know that when he said he was going to do something, he already knew how he would do it.'' On October 18, 1969, the Everetts were married at Cloverdale Baptist Church in Dothan. ``Over the years, Terry has shocked me with several other total-change-of-life declarations, and for some reason, it has always been a surprise to me. I, at least, eventually learned to expect that he would be successful. He started the newspaper and I worked beside him, learning the newspaper business from scratch. During the long hours of work, I learned to trust, respect and eventually love this shy man of few words,'' says Barbara. The two continued to work side by side until there was another event that again radically changed the direction of their lives. Barbara explains, ``One evening in early 1992, Terry and I were watching the six o'clock news when Congressman Bill Dickinson made the announcement that after holding Alabama's Second Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for twenty-eight years, he was retiring. Afterwards, Terry turned the television off and looked at me and said, ``I am going to run for Congress.'' Although I knew Terry was very knowledgeable about government, the history of politics, and current events from his years of newspaper experience, I had never heard him say he had any desire to run for office himself. Unfortunately, my first comment was, `Who will vote for you?' Since both Terry and Barbara really were committed, first to each other, and second, to a deep love for our country, the first ``Everett for Congress'' campaign was begun. Terry's first political slogan was ``Send a message not a politician!'' Barbara believes it is still what he believes after all these years. It was late in the evening when Everett answered a phone call telling him all the votes were in and counted. Terry Everett was declared the new Congressman for Congressional District Two. Both Everetts admit that there are challenges and rewards every day for people involved in holding a public office. Barbara says with all the peaks and valleys, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. Having the support of people from southeast Alabama who say they love and respect Terry Everett and that they are praying for him every day is truly appreciated. In early 2000, Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because Terry wanted to be with her during her treatment, the couple decided to have her surgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, which was only forty-five minutes away from the Everett's home in Washington. In March of 2000, while undergoing all of her procedures, hundreds of cards, phone calls, letters and gifts poured in to support Congressman and Mrs. Everett. One obvious fact was that so much of the concern was expressed from the liberal side of the political spectrum, showing the positive impact the Everett's had on their colleagues in Congress. When asked about her life with Terry Everett, Barbara confides, ``From the day we met until today I don't think Terry has changed one bit. If he tells you something, he will keep his word. If you believe in something, he respects you for it whether he agrees or not. He is the personification of a true public servant and statesman. I hope that, more than anything else, this will be the legacy for which he will be remembered.'' Four years ago this August, Terry Everett had a bad case of shingles. Because of this, the nerves in his foot have been severely damaged so that he has suffered difficulty in walking. Even though Everett admits he is in good health, traveling back and forth from D.C. is becoming more difficult for him since he has the problem with walking. After discussing it with his wife, Barbara, and his chief of staff Wade Heck, Everett made the decision not to seek re-election after his present term is completed. Mrs. Everett insists that she did not persuade her husband one way or the other in his decision. She adds, ``The last sixteen years have literally been a journey of joy, and we are so honored and humbled to have been given this opportunity. But Terry is wise enough to know that life is made up of change and the time has come for our lives to change once again on a new journey. I can't wait to see what comes next. The only thing I can say with certainty is life with Terry has never been boring.'' The Everetts have lived in a beautiful new Southern farm home on 400 acres of farmland near Rehobeth since 2001. According to Barbara, there are still so many things that need to be done around the house. Now, maybe they will have more time to actually do all their special projects. Barbara Everett herself stays busy working as Chairman of Governor Bob Riley's Task Force to Strengthen Alabama Families. It has the goal of restructuring the present Health and Human Service System in Alabama in order to do the best possible job of providing real help to Alabama's families. Joe Williams, Congressman Everett's staff member in the Dothan office, says, ``Mrs. Everett is the Congressman's best kept secret, though her dedicated work on so many community issues over the years is hardly a secret anymore. Not only is Mrs. Everett a capable leader in many causes, but she is driven by a passion for those initiatives.'' Both of the Everetts have genuine compassion, strength of character, willingness to give of themselves in the service of others and the ability to get things done in a timely fashion. For all of that, Alabama's citizens of District Two will be forever grateful. Here are some of Congressman Everett's key accomplishments in office: First Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces (currently the Ranking Republican member) Authored the current federal peanut title in 2002 Farm Bill Secured $250 million for new Fort Rucker construction since 1993, including the landmark new Soldier Service Center, Soldier Barracks, Post Headquarters, Base Family Housing Renovation, and Warrior Hall Flight Simulator Facility Advocated Creation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Center of Excellence at Ft. Rucker and the funding for the U.S. Army Flight School XXI Secured over $40 million since 1993 for Dothan I-10 Connector project Secured $2.5 million in 2001 to modernize Dothan Regional Airport runway, taxiway, remove old terminal Secured $202,000 in federal funds in 2003 for Multi-Purpose Arena at National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds Secured $19.2 million in federal funding to rebuild the Elba and Geneva levees Secured ``Free Trade Zone'' designations to reduce import- export costs for Dothan industrial areas, including the Sony plant.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of the H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: AP, Air Force. Legal Name of Entity: Alliant Techsystems, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 5050 Lincoln Drive, Edina, MN, 55436. Description of Request: This earmark provides $7,200,000 for RC-26B Modernization. The RC-26B performs critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of national disaster response by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air National Guard, and in direct support of Special Operations Forces. The Air National Guard (ANG) operates a fleet of eleven RC-26B aircraft that provide support to individual states for disaster relief and counter-drug missions. The RC-26B platform provided excellent, real-time imagery during the 2007 extended fire season and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As the demands for the RC-26Bs proven utility increased, non-availability of the platform have prevented ANG crews from performing their domestic assigned missions. Special Operations Command funded the modification of five RC-26B aircraft--to provide ISR missions in support of deployed operations. With five RC-26B aircraft deployed in support of missions outside of the continental United States, an availability vacuum at the state level has occurred. The remaining six RC-26B aircraft (from Mississippi, Arizona, Florida, Texas, West Virginia and New York) are not sufficient to support the disaster relief and counter-narcotics missions of both the ANG and DHS/CBP. Without additional FY 2009 funding to upgrade the RC-26B aircraft, the ability of the ANG to respond to future DOD ISR, DHS/CBP, counter-narcotics and disaster relief missions will be impaired, even as the demands for this low density asset increases. The Air National Guard in Montgomery, AL will benefit from this funding. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Army. Legal Name of Entity: Auburn University. Address of Requesting Entity: 202 Samford Hall, Auburn, AL 36849. Description of Request: This earmark provides $2,800,000 for Logistical Fuel Processors for Army Development Program. This funding will be used for TARDEC/NAC (i.e., U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center/National Automotive Center) to complete research and development of a hydrocarbon catalytic reforming and cleaning system/methodology capable of taking high sulfur containing logistic fuels such as JP-8 and converting them on demand into high purity hydrogen for use in fuel cell powered APU's (auxiliary power units) and ground-based military vehicles. The funding will be retained by OSD and TARDEC/NAC for administrative and technical support functions and will be used by Auburn University to complete R&D activities. The funds going to Auburn University subcontracting expenses are anticipated for R&D and technical support provided by the Anniston Army Depot, IntraMicron Inc. (of Auburn, Alabama), and at least one other technology provider. All subcontracts from Auburn University will be approved by the DOD technical program manager and the respective contracting officers at the DOD and Auburn University. This request is in direct support of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center's program on Fuel Cell Development for Military Vehicles as conducted by their National Automotive Center. The technical program is in support of national defense and is being conducted by Auburn University, an entity of the State of Alabama. No cost-sharing is required or is being provided. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Army. Legal Name of Entity: Electric Fuel Battery Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: 354 Industry Drive, Auburn, AL 36832. Description of Request: This earmark provides $1,600,000 for Novel Zinc Air Power Sources for Military Applications. Funding will be used for further enhancements to and improvements in the core Zinc-Air battery technology, such as shelf life, power and temperature range, as well as furthering the development of our body-worn energy delivery system (Integrated Power System, or IPS) which reduces Warfighter battery carry weight by up to 80 percent and significantly simplifies outfitting and field re-supply. For example, using the IPS, a deployed Warfighter will save $7000 per year just in his reduction in consumption of AA batteries in the field. Finalizing of current form factors currently in development, coupled with further development of new form factors as field research dictates will result in more Warfighters having access to the intrinsic safety of Zinc-Air batteries, which cannot combust or explode even when penetrated by hot projectiles. This benefit is especially vital as the move toward more and more body-worn gear, powered by body-worn batteries, gains traction in our defense forces. This funding will improve cell reliability, and form factor for Land Warrior/Future Force Warrior. It will also enable energy system field testing. The Ranger Regiment (in Iraq and Afghanistan) and PEO Soldier are testing our technology as their power solution. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Air Force. Legal Name of Entity: THY Enterprises, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 440 Hillabee St., Alexander City, AL 35010 USA. Description of Request: This earmark provides $2,000,000 for Next Generation Tactical Environmental Clothing for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Funding will be used to continue research and development of the Next Generation of Tactical Environmental Clothing (NGTEC) being conducted with the AFSOC. Funding will be used for research and development of a lighter, quieter, waterproof material, for engineering and manufacturing, laboratory analysis, field assessment, and for risk and plan management. AFSOC Special Tactics Teams and Combat Controllers operate in environments where the extreme effects of physical exertion over difficult terrain result in hypothermia and other related conditions that degrade mission effectiveness. Current clothing articles provided to our combat airmen do not offer the best protection or prevention of these debilitating conditions. Recent developments in fibers research indicates that better materials can be made available for use in under and outer garments to greatly reduce the effects of moisture on the body. These capabilities, which now include a thermally efficient wicking concept, combined with water-proof and tear resistant fibers should produce a garment with superior protective characteristics. This technology is at hand, and THY's early prototypes have been field tested and found to resolve several of the shortcomings highlighted by troops from cold weather training exercises in Montana, and from the current combat theaters of operation. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Air Force. Legal Name of Entity: Davidson Technologies. Address of Requesting Entity: 530 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 Description of Request: The earmark provides for $1,600,000. The funding is for the continued development and accreditation of Space Control Test Capabilities to support the Air Force's requirement to integrate offensive and defensive space control elements into a single System-of-Systems counterspace system approach; specifically, to address the optimization of C\2\ processes and resources, and to develop a cost assessment tool for the government to test space control systems in a simulated environment before costly hardware development begins. Space Control Test Capabilities supports the Air Force Space Control mission areas and mission support as outlined in the Air Force's ``Strategic Master Plan for FY 2006 and beyond'', the ``Joint Doctrine for Space Operations (JP 3-14)'', and the ``Counterspace Operations (JP 2-2.1)''. The SCTC software suite allows the warfighters the capability to develop net-centric System-of-Systems architecture- based C\2\ models. Warfighters also have the ability to model Friend or Foe C\2\ structures yielding the analysis of vulnerabilities and/or strengths. Based on funding of $2,000,000, the spending plan would have been as follows, and will be adjusted to meet the final amount mentioned above. Engineering Salaries (including Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Design, Requirements and Documentation, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management): 1,780,000; Software Licensing (Goes toward software accreditation process): $10,000; Travel to Colorado Springs, AF Space Command: $10,000; Government Pass-through Costs: $200,000. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama) Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 890 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, AL 35806. Description of Request: The earmark provides for $1,200,000 which provides the digital modeling and simulation infrastructure for systems to defend high priority assets from attack by missiles (cruise and tactical). The funding will be used for salaries of engineers and analysts working on the project. The future Integrated Air and Missile Defense system will provide a lethal net-ready force with an increased span of control and a smaller deployment footprint. The smaller footprint will make sustainment in the field less expensive. The use of networked battle command and improved capabilities for situational awareness and soldier training will dramatically increase overall system effectiveness, survivability and force protection. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Torch Technologies. Address of Requesting Entity: 4035 Chris Dr. Suite C, Huntsville, AL 35802. Description of Request: The earmark is for $800,000 for Army Aviation Weapon Technology. This funding provides for transferring armed US Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) weapons interoperability technology to both unmanned and manned Army aviation. The resources will (1) transition technology from the Navy to the Army, and (2) establish a means for certifying the resulting interoperability that would be available for the industry base. It is leveraging technology shown to be feasible though a Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems Small Business Innovative Research Program and transitions the technology to the Army. Analysis conducted by the Army has shown that the benefit from this investment will be a more interoperable approach to weapons integration which is expected to (1) provide as much as 50 percent in cost avoidance for future integration costs for weapons onto manned and unmanned aircraft, and (2) provide a means to provide accredited tools to the weapon and platform originating equipment manufacturers increasing probability for on time an on cost delivery of their products for use with Army Aviation. No matching funds are anticipated from the Army, however, this investment in the FY09 budget sets Army Aviation up for future cost avoidance of the anticipated weapon integration requirements of the Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM) and the Aviation Multipurpose Missile System (AMPM). Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: RDTE, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Frontier Technology, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 75 Aero Camino Suite A, Goleta, CA 93117. Description of Request: The earmark is for $1,600,000. The funding will be used for Army Aviation Weapon Technology the Enhanced Military Vehicle Maintenance System Demonstration Project with Anniston Army Depot and Auburn University. This project identifies difficult to detect failure modes that must be serviced while the vehicle is undergoing maintenance. It models vehicle conditions to ensure that the vehicle is restored to an optimum state of operation prior to return to service. This cost effective technology can be modified for various military vehicles to detect problems not typically reported using threshold or trend systems. It can detect problems before they happen, preventing breakdowns in battlefield environments. The system will successfully verify that vehicles repaired at the Depot have been restored to an optimum state of operation prior to redeployment. The Enhanced Military Vehicle Maintenance System provides the cutting edge, cost effective technology that can help ensure more rapid and reliable deployment of critical military vehicles during this period when our equipment is under extreme and extended use. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers of Alabama. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Account: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Domestic Preparedness (Federal Training Facility). Address of Requesting Entity: Anniston, Alabama. Description of Request: The earmark is for $62.5 million. The Center for Domestic Preparedness is located in Anniston, Alabama. It is a key training Federal facility operated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is the only weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training facility that provides hands-on training to civilian emergency responders which includes live chemical agents. The Center is a leading member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. For Fiscal Year 2008, Congress provided $62.5 million for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. In addition, the 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act of 2007, which the President signed into law on August 3, 2007, included language that authorized increases in funding for the Center over a period of four years. (Sec. 1204, P.L. 110-53). The House Appropriations Committee bill recommended a funding level consistent with the president's budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended last year's funding level of $62.5 million. This bill contains the Senate amount.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to a dear friend across the aisle. My collegue, Representative Bud Cramer will retire after eighteen years of service to the people of Alabama's 5th District when this session adjourns. Congressman Cramer has been a pleasure to work with during my time in the House, and has contributed a great deal to the Alabama Congressional Delegation. His willingness to discuss issues across party lines speaks to his genuine concern for the well-being of his constituents. Congressman Cramer has been a strong, advocate for sensible legislation and has used his positions on the House Appropriations and Permanent Select Intelligence Committees to champion fiscally responsible programs. I would like to thank Congressman Cramer once more for his dedicated service. I have been honored to work with him over the past 6 years. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to a dear friend and exemplary member of this body. My colleague, Representative Terry Everett will retire after 16 years of service to the people of Alabama's 2nd District when this session adjourns. Congressman Everett has been an invaluable resource for the Alabama Congressional Delegation. His experience and insight were a great help to me when I first came to Washington in 2002. As a member of the Agriculture, Armed Services, and Permanent Select Intelligence Committees, he has furthered the interests of the people of Alabama and the security of the United States. I would like to thank Congressman Everett once more for his dedicated service. He is a gentleman with the highest regard for duty and principle, and he will be dearly missed.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition the historic town of Wadley, Alabama. On September 13, 2008, the citizens of Wadley will gather to celebrate their town's 100th anniversary. The town began as a single store established by Mr. Minus Radney in 1906 to serve workers on the AB&A railway which passed through the town. The same year, Mr. Fuller E. Callaway, owner of the Callaway Development Company of LaGrange, laid out plans to acquire land and construct a model community. On September 15, 1908, Wadley was officially incorporated with a population of just 333. One month later, the town opened for settlement and investment with special events and train rates to promote the growth of the new community. Today, Wadley is home to 640 citizens as well as Southern Union State Community College. The centennial festivities will begin with a parade down Main Street, and continue with performances from a number of local musicians. Play areas for children, storytelling and crafts demonstrations will also be open to residents. I am pleased to recognize the town of Wadley for reaching this important milestone, and look forward to being a part of its future.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day in the lives of two constituents of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Prickett. On September 13, the Pricketts will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Marshall Prickett was born on October 19, 1934, in Alexandria, Alabama, and his wife, Margaret, was born on July 2, 1935, in Weaver. Over the years, Marshall and Margaret have been blessed with three sons, Marshall, Michael, and Matthew, as well as eight grandchildren. I would like to congratulate Marshall and Margaret for reaching this important milestone in their lives. They are shining examples of love and dedication for us all, and I wish them and their family all the best at this important occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay recognition to the members of Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church in Valley, Alabama, who on September 7, 2008, celebrated their congregation's 165th anniversary. Church founder James M. Spear began holding Methodist class meetings in his home in the early 1840s. Hopewell's first church was erected in 1843, and the congregation moved to the current site in 1853. Since that time, the church has seen many changes, including renovations to its historic sanctuary and the addition of a parsonage in 1966. The celebration on September 7th paid tribute to the work of Hopewell on behalf of its members and community. I am pleased to recognize the Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church today for reaching this important milestone in the history of their congregation and wish its members all the best in its next 165 years of faith and witnessing in the community.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day in the lives of two constituents of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Aderholt. On August 24, the Aderholts celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Joe Marvin Aderholt was born on March 25, 1936, in Cedar Springs, AL, and his wife, Mary Jane Finley, was born on September 19, 1936 also in Cedar Springs. Joe and Jane met and married in the small community of Weaver, AL. Over the years, they have been blessed with two daughters, Alison and Angie, six grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren. Joe and Jane have been active members of Weaver Baptist Church where Joe has been a soloist in the church choir. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary on August 23 at Weaver Baptist Church with a reception honoring them given by friends and family. I would like to congratulate Joe and Jane for reaching this important milestone in their lives. They are shining examples of love and dedication for us all, and I wish them and their family all the best at this important occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding the earmark I received as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama). Bill Number: H.R. 6599, Military Construction--Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for FY 2009. Account: MILCON, Army. Legal Name of Entity: Anniston Army Depot. Address of Requesting Entity: 7 Frankford Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201. Description of Request: This earmark provides $1,400,000 for the Lake Yard Interchange. The funding will be used to construct an interchange and inspection building in the ammunition and explosives classification (Lake Yard) area of the Anniston Army Depot. This includes the move of ammunition classification from Turner Yard to the Lake Yard. Additionally, the site utilities will include electrical power, information technology, water, septic tank/field lines. The railroad track work will include new track for the interchange and spur.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask the attention of the House today to pay special recognition to the work of East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy. For the last 50 years, this admirable organization has pursued its mission of providing personalized educational and therapeutic services to children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. In January of 1972, ECAUCP opened Calhoun County's first cerebral palsy center. Just 6 years later the center expanded to provide a full range of treatment for children in need. Today, ECAUCP and the State Department of Mental Health spearhead Alabama's Early Intervention Program which benefits developmentally delayed children and their families. I am pleased to help recognize the fine work of East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy, and wish them the very best in their next 50 years of service to our communities.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time at this time so I will yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the beginning of integration in the United States Armed Forces. Throughout the course of our Nation's history, the men and women of the armed services have defended our liberties with bravery, honor and sacrifice. But because our Nation racially segregated its military prior to 1948, generations of African Americans selflessly served our Nation with the knowledge that they were fighting abroad for many of the freedoms that they were frequently denied here at home. Despite this injustice, not only did African Americans serve honorably to fight for all our freedoms, they did so with dignity and bravery that earned many of them our Nation's top military honors. One of the most important events in our Nation's history that helped move our country toward a more integrated America occurred on July 26, 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981. This important order, which we acknowledge with this resolution today, ordered that there be equality of treatment with all persons in the armed services regardless of race, color, religion or national origin. Even though it took years to accomplish the complete integration of the armed services, it was Executive Order 9981 that began the process. Of the many units that served with distinction, I particularly would like to recognize the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained at historic Moton Field in my congressional district in Alabama. As most of us know, over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen became one of the most highly decorated units in the Armed Forces. These brave pilots destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft while accumulating an unprecedented record of flying more than 200 bomber escort missions over central and southern Europe. These brave Americans served without the loss of a single bomber to enemy aircraft and returned home with some of our Nation's highest military honors. But they also returned home to a racially segregated America. It's that injustice, and the steps our Nation has taken to help right that wrong, that we are helping recognize today. I'm also delighted that this body will help further recognize the occasion with a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda later this month. I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Skelton for allowing this resolution today. I'd also like to thank my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Kendrick Meek, for his strong support of this resolution. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1067, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by the USS Nautilus and its significance in the history of both our Nation and the world. I want to commend my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut, for sponsoring this important resolution, as well as the 20 other cosponsors, including Representative Roscoe Bartlett, the ranking member of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee. Submarines have been a central component of our Nation's naval forces for over a century. Congress authorized the construction of the Nautilus in July 1951. After merely 26 months of construction, unheard of by today's standards, the first nuclear-powered submarine--indeed, the first nuclear-powered vessel in the world--was commissioned into the United States Navy. Shortly thereafter, on the morning of January 17, 1955, Nautilus' first Commanding Officer, Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, ordered the boat away from the pier and signaled the historic message, ``Underway on Nuclear Power.'' From that day forward, Nautilus continued to break all submerged speed and distance records. This included the historic mission to the North Pole on August 3, 1958. In honoring the USS Nautilus, I note that now, just as 50 years ago, both quality and quantity matter with respect to our naval fleet. Although our current military conflicts have caused us to rightly focus on the health of our ground forces, it is again time for the Nation to have a strategic outlook on the future role of our naval forces. We should do our level best to maintain our maritime dominance and forward presence around the globe. I will conclude by noting that the USS Nautilus' journey from the North Pole is historically significant and a magnificent scientific and military achievement. I am proud that the United States Navy has set an international standard of excellence. So, Mr. Speaker, I call upon all Americans to pause and honor the service and sacrifice of not only those brave Americans who crossed the North Pole 50 years ago, but all those who have served and continue to serve in the defense of our Nation and its values. I urge my colleagues to support this most worthy resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution honoring the extraordinary service and exceptional sacrifice of all those who have served and are serving in the 101st Airborne Division known as the Screaming Eagles. For more than 65 years, since its formation in 1942, the division has established a record of bravery, commitment, military prowess and excellence that marks it as one of the great military units in American history. When activated, the division's first commander told his men that, while the division had no history, it had a ``rendezvous with destiny.'' And through five wars, the soldiers of that division have never failed that vision. In World War II, from Normandy to Holland to Bastogne, and Hitler's Eagle's Nest, the division fought with great distinction. More than 2,000 of its members died defending freedom. Deployed to Vietnam for 7 years, the division never failed to accomplish any mission. Though few of its battles became household names, the division's 4,000 deaths and 17 Medals of Honor are evidence of the unhesitating courage and sacrifice the division has made in Southeast Asia. Today, tens of thousands of the 101st soldiers have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, helping to secure liberty for those nations, denying a safe haven to terrorists, and helping to protect America's interests. So, Mr. Speaker, it is entirely fitting that we honor the 101st Airborne Division as one of the great American military units. More importantly, we must recognize and honor the tremendous debt that we owe to all who have served so well in this storied and historic division. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Whitfield, for introducing this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague from Kentucky, Mr. Ed Whitfield.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 295, which expresses the deepest appreciation of Congress to the families of members of the United States Armed Forces. I would like to thank Mr. Bilirakis of Florida for introducing this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute today to the force behind the force: the military family. It has long been known that the military services recruit individuals but we retain families. This has never been more true or more critical than it is today. The support our troops receive from their loving families--mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, and children--is intangible but it is nothing less than a powerful force multiplier. Today millions of Americans have one or more family members serving in the Armed Forces. These incredible families attempt to lead normal lives while their loved ones stand in harm's way, fulfilling our Nation's oath to serve and protect. The strength of the military family is astounding. Military parents give their sons and daughters to our Nation and pray relentlessly for their safe return. They look forward to every letter and phone call, while fearing the ringing of the phone and the doorbell at the same time. As we celebrate military families, let us not forget the sacrifices of the children. Military children are special in their strength and their maturity. They do not always have ``hometowns,'' but they have a heightened sense of family both in the traditional sense and in the special characteristics of the military community. Military families have an uncanny resilience. They are some of the strongest citizens in this country, and I am privileged to recognize them not only today but every day. I urge my colleagues to support this very important resolution. Without the support of our military families, the Armed Forces would not be the incredible power they are today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).